French border guards have staged a ‘Brexit-style’ security exercise imposing ‘very strict controls’ to highlight how hard it will be to travel after Britain leaves the EU.

They say clearing passengers for Eurostar services from Paris to London will become much harder once Britain leaves the EU. Customs officials insist that they will be forced to check every vehicle traveling to or from the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit. British travelers could face additional checks to enter the EU by plane and train. “The customs officials are being extremely aggressive, and causing massive delays. They’re treating everybody as it they’re a problem,” travelers say. One train, the 8.37am from Paris to London , was cancelled completely.

Eurostar confirmed that their services leaving the Gare du Nord, their hub in Paris, were disrupted. Massive queues at both Dover and Calais also delayed ferry services. Five French unions have been coordinating the protests, saying they do not have the staff or resources to cope with post-Brexit conditions. In a statement, Eurostar said: ‘We expect to maintain services on the existing basis, timetable and terms and conditions following Brexit.